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Delaware Art Museum: A Treasure Trove of American and Pre-Raphaelite Art

Explore American illustration, Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, and contemporary works at Wilmington's premier art museum and sculpture garden.

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The Delaware Art Museum, located in Wilmington, houses over 12,000 works of art, focusing on American art and illustration from the 19th to the 21st century, and British Pre-Raphaelite art. Founded in 1912 to honor illustrator Howard Pyle, the museum features a diverse collection, a sculpture garden, and a research library.

A brief summary to Delaware Art Museum

  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-8 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Thursdays between 4 pm and 8 pm, April through December, for free admission.
  • Take a walk through the Copeland Sculpture Garden to experience art in an outdoor setting.
  • Check out the Helen Farr Sloan Library for an in-depth look at the museum's collections and regional art.
  • Join a public tour on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm or 2 pm for a guided exploration of the museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Wilmington Station, take the Route 10 bus towards Brandywine Town Center. The bus stops at Union Street @ 17th Street, a short walk from the museum. The bus fare is typically $1 - $2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a direct route to the Delaware Art Museum. A taxi from Wilmington Station typically costs $13 - $16 and takes about 5 minutes. From Philadelphia, a taxi will cost approximately $95 - $120 and take around 40 minutes.

  • Walking

    From areas near Trolley Square, the museum is accessible by foot, though it's a bit of a walk. The walk from Wilmington Station is approximately 2.6 miles and should take around 50 minutes.

  • Parking

    The Delaware Art Museum offers free on-site parking behind the museum, accessible from the main entrance on Kentmere Parkway.

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Discover more about Delaware Art Museum

Nestled in a residential neighborhood on Kentmere Parkway in Wilmington, the Delaware Art Museum offers a rich cultural experience with its extensive collection of American and British art. Founded in 1912 as the Wilmington Society of the Fine Arts, the museum was established to preserve the works of renowned local illustrator Howard Pyle. The museum's collection has grown to include over 12,000 objects, providing visitors with a comprehensive look at artistic movements from the 19th to the 21st centuries. The museum is particularly known for its significant collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art, the largest outside of the United Kingdom, thanks to a generous donation from Samuel Bancroft in 1931. Visitors can also explore American art, including works by Pyle and his students, such as N.C. Wyeth and Frank Schoonover. The museum also features urban landscapes by John Sloan and a contemporary collection. In addition to its galleries, the Delaware Art Museum boasts the Copeland Sculpture Garden, a 9-acre outdoor space featuring contemporary sculptures and a labyrinth. The Helen Farr Sloan Library & Archives offers a wealth of research materials related to the museum's collections and the art of the region. The museum hosts special exhibitions and programs throughout the year, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for art lovers of all ages. The Delaware Art Museum is a must-see destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in a world of artistic expression.

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